Regulatory Oversight on Diesel Transportation Pilot Project




.... ZCSA and ERB Monitor Innovative Transportation Method for Compliance and Safety

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24  - (31-10-2024) -The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) have jointly addressed the public regarding a new pilot project involving the transportation of diesel using bladder bags on flatbed trucks. 

This project, currently in its trial phase, is unlicensed and does not align with existing regulations for petroleum-based flammable liquids.

According to Brian Hatyoka, Acting Manager of Communications and Public Relations at ZCSA, and Namukolo Kasumpa, Manager of Public Relations at ERB, only one entity has been granted authorization for this three-month trial, which began on September 16, 2024. 

During this period, the duo explained in the statement that the ZCSA and ERB will closely monitor compliance with safety protocols, and the findings are expected to inform future regulatory approaches to this innovative transportation method.

The duo clarified that the project is currently outside the scope of compulsory standards, referencing two key standards including ZS 371, which specifies road tank vehicle requirements for transporting petroleum flammable liquids, and ZS 429, which governs the safe handling and transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).



The two spokespersons from ZCSA and ERB were reacting to suggestions by the Local Petroleum Transporters, who claimed to have uncovered a diesel transporting scam using "bladder bags" technology. 

The Local Petroleum Transporters have warned of a pending disruptive protest by petroleum transporters if the practice is not stopped immediately. 

Petroleum Transporters Association of Zambia General Secretary Benson Tembo has exposed the clandestine operation using "bladder bags" on flatbed trucks to transport diesel, which is being offloaded at a depot along Mungwi Road in Lusaka.

According to Tembo, bladder bags, which can be folded and loaded onto flatbed trucks when empty, are being filled with diesel and held by ratchets and belts while covered in tents to move the commodity. 

He says this practice was previously rejected under the PF regime and has challenged the UPND government through the Energy Regulation Board, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Zambia Bureau of Standards, and the ZCSAgencyto state its position on the matter.

The Oil Transporters warned that while dialogue is the current approach, protests may ensue if the issue is not adequately addressed, potentially causing another fuel supply disruption. 

Association President Stanley Muluka has demanded immediate action from regulatory bodies to halt the use of bladder bags technology to transport diesel and protect the interests of Zambian transporters.

However, the ZCSA and ERB spokespersons clarified that the transported diesel was safely offloaded at a depot on Mungwi Road, following proper marking in accordance with the Energy Regulation (Petroleum Marking and Monitoring) Regulations under Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2017. 

Kasumpa added that the fuel's owner has entered into a hospitality agreement with the depot operator, which is a common industry arrangement.

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